WO2013059865A1

WO2013059865A1 - A greenhouse for receiving carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse in use

Info

Publication number: WO2013059865A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef Wiedenhorn
Original assignee: Josef Wiedenhorn
Priority date: 2011-10-26
Filing date: 2012-10-25
Publication date: 2013-05-02
Also published as: AU2012327861A1; CN104010486A; AU2012327861B2

Abstract

A greenhouse and a method for receiving carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse in use is disclosed. The greenhouse comprises one or more walls defining an enclosure, and at least one outlet connection which extends into the enclosure for communicating the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one emission source is a power utility configured for producing electricity.

Description

A GREENHOUSE FOR RECEIVING CARBON DIOXIDE FROM AT LEAST ONE EMISSION SOURCE TO ENHANCE PLANT GROWTH WITHIN THE

GREENHOUSE IN USE

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to greenhouses and in particular to a greenhouse for receiving carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse in use.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in utilizing carbon dioxide for the purpose of enhancing plant growth and generating oxygen as a natural outcome of photosynthesis and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

The issue of carbon pollution and its impact on the environment has sparked much controversy in recent years and has triggered many governments and businesses to seek ways to reduce carbon emissions. One of the major sources of emissions resulting in carbon pollution is power stations, in particular coal-fired power stations, which are used for supplying electricity for residential and commercial purposes. In the case of commercial and residential buildings, the impact of carbon pollution, particularly on the air quality in the immediate vicinity of such buildings, has seen the occupants or proprietors move away from the more traditional wood, coke- or coal-fired heating and cooking methods that were once prevalent in the last century, in favour of heating and cooking appliances that rely on gas or electricity being piped directly into the building via the corresponding gas or electricity mains supply. As such, the emissions associated with such modem day appliances is localized around the coal-fired power stations supplying the electricity, as opposed to around the immediate vicinity of the commercial and residential buildings. However, some occupants and proprietors long for a return to such traditional heating and cooking methods, not only on account of the efficiency and aesthetics associated with such methods, but also on account of the ready availability of the fuel required to power them.

As part of the carbon cycle known as photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide, light, and water to produce carbohydrate energy for themselves and oxygen that is released into the atmosphere. Many plants exhibit higher rates of photosynthesis when they are grown in atmospheres with elevated carbon dioxide concentrations than if they are grown simply in air. As such, variations in the carbon dioxide concentration of the atmosphere in which a plant grows will affect the plant in various ways and in particular will affect its rate of growth.

The present invention seeks to provide a greenhouse for receiving carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse in use, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a greenhouse for receiving carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse in use, the greenhouse comprising: one or more walls defining an enclosure; and at least one outlet connection which extends into the enclosure for communicating the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

Advantageously, carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source can be utilized in the enclosure of the greenhouse for enhancing plant growth. Advantageously, carbon dioxide is utilized efficiently as opposed to polluting the environment as a greenhouse gas.

Advantageously, the plants within the greenhouse absorb the carbon dioxide to produce oxygen that is released into the atmosphere.

Advantageously, plant production is increased, thereby reducing market cost through increased efficiency. Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises a manifold to which the at least one outlet connection is connected.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises a distribution means adapted for connecting to the at least one outlet connection for distributing the carbon dioxide throughout the enclosure in use.

Advantageously, the distribution means being connected to the at least one outlet connection of the manifold enables the carbon dioxide communicated from the at least one emission source to be distributed within the enclosure of the greenhouse.

Preferably, the distribution means comprises at least one distribution pipe and one or more distribution outlets disposed along the at least one distribution pipe.

Advantageously, the carbon dioxide can be distributed throughout the enclosure of the greenhouse by virtue of the one or more distribution outlets disposed along the at least one distribution pipe.

Preferably, each distribution outlet is configured for directing the carbon dioxide in at least one direction within the enclosure.

Advantageously, carbon dioxide can be directed towards the plants within the enclosure of the greenhouse by virtue of the one or more distribution outlets.

Advantageously, the one or more distribution outlets being configured for communicating the carbon dioxide in at least one direction ensures that the plants within the enclosure receive sufficient carbon dioxide to enhance their growth.

Preferably, the manifold comprises an inlet connection for receiving carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises an inlet pipe for extending from the inlet connection to the at least one outlet connection. Advantageously, the inlet pipe enables the carbon dioxide to be communicated from the at least one emission source to the enclosure of the greenhouse by virtue of its connection to the inlet connection and the at least one outlet connection.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises at least one pump means for pumping the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

Advantageously, the carbon dioxide is pumped from the at least one emission source to the greenhouse by virtue of the at least one pump means.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises at least one filter means to remove contaminants from the carbon dioxide entering the enclosure. Advantageously, contaminants can be removed from the carbon dioxide before it reaches the greenhouse.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises at least one valve means being configurable between a closed position to prevent the carbon dioxide from being communicated from the at least one emission source to the enclosure and an open position to enable carbon dioxide to be communicated from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

Advantageously, the flow of carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source can be controlled by virtue of the at least one valve means.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises a control means which is adapted to selectively actuate the at least one valve means. Advantageously, the flow of carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source can be controlled by selectively actuating the at least one valve means.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises a control means which is adapted to selectively actuate the at least one pump means to pump the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure. Advantageously, pumping of the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the greenhouse can be controlled by selectively actuating the at least one pump means.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises at least one sensor means being coupled to the control means and operable to send the control means a signal to actuate or deactuate the at least one pump means in response to sensed concentration level of carbon dioxide within the enclosure.

Advantageously, the concentration of carbon dioxide within the enclosure of the greenhouse can be determined by virtue of the at least one sensor means.

Preferably, the greenhouse further comprises at least one sensor means being coupled to the control means and operable to send the control means a signal to open or close the at least one valve means in response to a sensed concentration level of carbon dioxide within the enclosure.

Advantageously, the at least one valve means can be opened or closed in response to a sensed concentration level of carbon dioxide within the enclosure Preferably, the at least one emission source is a power utility configured for producing electricity.

Advantageously, carbon dioxide generated by the power utility during the production of electricity can be utilized in the enclosure of the greenhouse for enhancing plant growth.

Preferably, the at least one emission source is selected from the group comprising: a furnace, a heater, an oven, or a combination thereof.

Advantageously, carbon dioxide generated by furnaces, heaters, ovens, or a combination thereof, in a residential or commercial building can be utilized in the enclosure of the greenhouse for enhancing plant growth.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manifold for facilitating communication of carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to a greenhouse for enhancing plant growth within the greenhouse in use, the manifold comprising: an inlet connection extending from the at least one emission source; and at least one outlet connection extending into the greenhouse.

Advantageously, the manifold connects the greenhouse with the at least one emission source to facilitate the communication of carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the greenhouse.

Preferably, the greenhouse comprises one or more walls defining an enclosure, at least a portion of the manifold being located at one of the one or more walls.

Advantageously, at least a portion of the manifold is located at one of the walls of the enclosure. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of enhancing plant growth within a greenhouse using carbon dioxide received from at least one emission source, the method comprising the step of: communicating the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the greenhouse.

Advantageously, the carbon dioxide received from the at least one emission source is communicated to the greenhouse for enhancing the growth of the plants within the greenhouse.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of:

maintaining the level of carbon dioxide within the greenhouse at a predetermined range of concentration. Advantageously, the concentration of the carbon dioxide within the greenhouse can be controlled to ensure that the plants within the greenhouse receive sufficient carbon dioxide to enhance their growth.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for enhancing plant growth using carbon dioxide, the system comprising:

at least one emission source which produces carbon dioxide in use; at least one greenhouse having one or more walls defining an enclosure; and

at least one connection for facilitating communication of the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source into the enclosure of the at least one greenhouse.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top down schematic representation of a greenhouse configured for receiving carbon dioxide from an emission source in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a controller for controlling the communication of carbon dioxide from the emission source to the greenhouse of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 3 is a top down schematic representation of three greenhouses, each configured for receiving carbon dioxide from an emission source in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Fig. 1 shows a top down schematic representation of a greenhouse 10 configured for receiving carbon dioxide from one or more emission sources 20 to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse 10 in use. In one embodiment, and will be described herein, the emission source 20 is provided in the form of a power station such as a coal-fired power station that is used to generate electricity to supply the national grid and/or other users of electricity. The greenhouse 10 is ideally located in the vicinity of the power station.

As shown in Fig. 1, the greenhouse 10 comprises a base (not shown) and four walls 32, 34, 36, 38 extending upwardly from the base and terminating at a roof to define a generally rectangular enclosure 30. Each of the four walls 32, 34, 36, 38 is joined to its adjacent walls, the base and the roof along their respective edges to provide a good seal. At least the four walls 32, 34, 36, 38 and the roof are manufactured from a transparent material such as glass or plastic to allow sunlight to penetrate through the walls 32, 34, 36, 38 and the roof to enable the plants within the enclosure 30 to receive the necessary UV light required for photosynthesis during the carbon cycle. It will be appreciated that the four walls 32, 34, 36, 38 are of a suitable composition and thickness to insulate the greenhouse 10 such that the temperature within the enclosure 30 can be maintained at an ideal growing temperature for the plants. As shown in Fig. 1, the enclosure 30 is sub-divided into sections A to G by dividing walls (as shown by dashed lines) which extend upwardly from the base and terminate at the roof. Each of the dividing walls is joined along their respective edges to walls 32 and 36, the base and the roof to provide a good seal. In this arrangement, each section A to G can be isolated from the other sections to enable, for example, plants within one section to be planted or harvested without affecting the level of concentration of carbon dioxide within the other sections.

The dividing walls are also manufactured from a transparent material such as glass or plastic to allow sunlight to penetrate through the dividing walls.

Each section A to G is accessible via a doorway (not shown) fitted with at least one door (not shown). Doorways may be installed in one or both of walls 32 or 36 of the enclosure 30 to allow a user access to the plants within each section. The doors are ideally capable of forming a good seal within the corresponding doorway when closed.

Each section A to G can house one or more plant species as desired. The choice of plant species may be selected according to the volume of carbon dioxide they can absorb/convert to oxygen. For example, some plant species will release more oxygen from the carbon dioxide they receive from the emission source 20 than others.

As shown in Fig. 1, the greenhouse 10 further comprises a manifold 40 for communicating the carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30. The manifold 40 is in the form of an elongate inlet pipe which comprises an inlet connection 42 located at a first end of the inlet pipe that is connected to, and extends from, the emission source 20, and an outlet connection 45 located at the opposite end of the inlet pipe that is attached to, and extends through, the wall 32 of the enclosure 30. It will be appreciated that the inlet pipe of the manifold 40 will be of sufficient length and diameter to handle the volume of carbon dioxide to be received from the emission source 20.

As shown in Fig. 1, the greenhouse 10 further comprises a distribution means in the form of a distribution pipe 50 that is located within the enclosure 30. The distribution pipe 50 is connected to the outlet connection 45 of the manifold 40, and is configured for communicating the carbon dioxide received from the emission source 20 via the manifold 40 throughout the enclosure 30 in use. The distribution pipe 50 is suspended from the roof of the enclosure 30 and is divided into a series of pipes 50A to 50G that extend from distribution pipe 50 in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure 30 from wall 32 to wall 36. Each pipe 50A to 50G is located within a corresponding section A to G of the enclosure 30. The distribution means further comprises distribution outlets 60 spaced apart along the length of each pipe 50A to 50G of the distribution pipe 50. Each of the distribution outlets 60 is configured to allow the carbon dioxide being communicated from the distribution pipe 50 to be ejected from the distribution outlet 60 in the general direction of the plants to enhance their growth.

The greenhouse 10 further comprises a pump 70 which is connected to, and is in communication with, the inlet pipe of the manifold 40. The pump 70 is configured to pump the carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30 via the manifold 40. The pressure provided by the pump 70 is sufficient to pump the carbon dioxide around the distribution pipe means in the enclosure 30 to deliver the carbon dioxide to the distribution outlets 60 for distributing the carbon dioxide within each of the sections A to G in the direction of the plants located therein.

The greenhouse 10 further comprises filter means to remove contaminants from the carbon dioxide prior to the gas entering the enclosure 30. The filter means are in communication with the inlet pipe of the manifold 40 and are ideally located substantially between the pump 70 and the enclosure 30. In this embodiment, where the emission source 20 is a power station, the filter means is in the form of a scrubber 80 capable of removing from the carbon dioxide not only solid pollutants such as dust particles or fly ash, but also other contaminants including, but not limited to, hydrogen chloride, sulfur compounds (such as SOx), nitrogen compounds (such as NOx), heavy metals (such as, for example, mercury), hydrocarbons (such as ethylene), which may prove harmful to the plants within the enclosure 30 if they become exposed to such contaminants. In the case of sulfur dioxide as the contaminant, a wet scrubber employing a limestone (calcium carbonate) slurry may be used to remove the sulfur dioxide from the flue gas while at the same time, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct, which can also be communicated to the enclosure 30 and used to enhance plant growth. It will be appreciated that such scrubbers are widely used in the power industry to remove such contaminants from emission source 20 emissions and do not, therefore, require further explanation.

The greenhouse 10 further comprises a valve 90, which is connected to, and in communication with, the inlet pipe of the manifold 40. The valve 90 is any valve suitable for use in the gas industry. The valve 90 is configurable between a closed position to prevent the carbon dioxide from being communicated from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30 and an open position to enable carbon dioxide to be communicated from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30. In this embodiment, the valve 90 is located between the scrubber 80 and the inlet connection 42 of the manifold 40.

The greenhouse 10 further comprises a vent (not shown) located in one of the four walls 32, 34, 36, 38 or roof of the enclosure 30 to enable oxygen produced by the plants to be released into the atmosphere. The vent also enables carbon dioxide within the enclosure 30 to be vented to the atmosphere in the event of, for example, an emergency.

The greenhouse 10 further comprises a water source (not shown) to enable the plants within the enclosure 30 to be watered. It will be appreciated that the watering is ideally performed using a sprinkler type arrangement such that the water can be directed toward the plants.

The greenhouse 10 further comprises a heat source (not shown) to enable the enclosure 30 to be warmed to a temperature ideal for the type of plants being grown within the enclosure 30.

As shown in Fig. 1, the greenhouse 10 further comprises a control means in the form of a controller 1000. The controller 1000 may be any suitable type of controller such as an electronic control panel, an electronic switchboard, a digital computing device or workstation, which is capable of enabling extensive input/output (I O) arrangements. In this embodiment, the controller 1000 is an embedded programmable logic controller (PLC), which is mounted to wall 32 of the enclosure 30 such that it is readily accessible by a user from the outside of the greenhouse 10 without the user having to enter the enclosure 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the greenhouse 10 further comprises gas sensors 100 mounted to wall 36 in each section A to G of the enclosure 30. The sensing portion of the gas sensor 100 is configured to sense the concentration of carbon dioxide within the corresponding section. Each gas sensor 100 is in operative communication with the controller 1000 and is operable to send the controller 1000 a warning signal in response to detecting a deviation from a predetermined concentration of carbon dioxide within the corresponding section A to G of the enclosure 30. The gas sensors 100 are interfaced directly with the controller 1000 by a wired electrical connection (not shown), which is adapted to facilitate the receiving of the warning signal from the gas sensors 100 in response to detecting a deviation in the predetermined concentration of carbon dioxide within the corresponding section A to G of the enclosure 30. In other embodiments, the gas sensors 100 may be adapted for wirelessly communicating the warning signal to the controller 1000. It will be appreciated that wireless communication may be achieved using any suitable wireless protocol, including, but not limited to: IEEE 802.11. It will also be appreciated that power to the gas sensors 100 may be any suitable source of electrical power including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a mains power supply, one or more batteries, a renewable power source such as solar power or wind power. Each gas sensor 100 is configured to send the warning signal if the concentration of carbon dioxide within the corresponding section A to G of the enclosure 30 deviates from a predetermined concentration value. The controller 1000 is also in operative communication with the valve 90, and comprises a first operative connection for communicating a valve operation signal to the valve 90 to operably control the position of the valve 90 between the closed position and the open position. In use, the controller 1000 sends the valve operation signal to the valve 90 in the form of a digital OPEN or CLOSED signal depending on whether the valve 90 is required to be transitioned to the open or closed position, respectively. It will be appreciated that the OPEN or CLOSED signals will each correspond to a specific voltage or current range, depending on whether the discrete signal sent uses voltage or current.

The controller 1000 is also in operative communication with the pump 70, and comprises a second operative connection for communicating a pump operation signal to the pump 70 to selectively actuate the pump 70 to pump the carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30 in use. In use, the controller 1000 sends the pump operation signal to the pump 70 in the form of a digital ON or OFF signal depending on whether the pump 70 is required to be ON or OFF, respectively. It will be appreciated that the ON and OFF signals will each correspond to a specific voltage or current range, depending on whether the discrete signal sent uses voltage or current

Fig. 2 shows a general purpose controller 1000 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. The controller 1000 comprises memory 1010 which may comprise volatile memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory (ROM). Typically the memory 1010 comprises a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory, such that the non- volatile memory stores the controller 1000 firmware and the volatile memory stores one or more temporary results of the fetch-decode-execute cycle, as described below. The controller 1000 comprises a computer program code storage medium reader 1030 for reading data from a computer program code storage medium 1020. The storage medium 1020 may be optical media such as CD-ROM disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and tape cassettes or flash media such as USB memory sticks. The I/O interface 1040 communicates with the storage medium reader 1030 and may take the form of a SCSI, USB or similar interface. The I/O interface 1040 may also communicate with one or more human input devices (HID) 106 such as a keyboard or pointing devices. The I O interface 1040 may also communicate with one or more personal computing (PC) devices 107, using, for example, a suitable interface such as an RS-232 interface. The controller 1000 also comprises a network interface 1070 for communicating with one or more computer networks 1080. Network 1080 may be a wired network, such as a wired Ethernet™ network or a wireless network, such as a Bluetooth™ network or IEEE 802.11 network. The network 1080 may be a local area, such as a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. Typically, computer program code is preloaded into the memory 1010. However, computer program code instructions may be loaded into the memory 1010 from the storage medium 1020 using the storage medium reader 1030 or from the network 1080. The controller 1000 comprises an arithmetic logic unit or processor 1100 for performing computer program code instructions. The processor 1100 is typically a low-power microprocessor suited to low power embedded controller applications. During the bootstrap phase, an operating system and one or more software applications are loaded into the memory 1010. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the processor 1100 fetches computer program code instructions from memory 1010, decodes the instructions into machine code, executes the instructions and stores the results in the memory 1010. The network 1080 can be used in situations where a user wishes to control the concentration of carbon dioxide in the enclosure 30 from a location remote from the enclosure 30, such as a control centre (not shown).

The controller 1000 also comprises a video interface 1110 for conveying video signals to a display panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, a cathode-ray tube (CRT) or similar display device. Such a display panel may be embedded in the controller 1000, or located remotely. The controller 1000 further comprises an analog to digital (A/D) converter 1130 for converting analog signals received from, for example, the gas sensors 100, into a digital format. The controller 1000 also comprises a communication bus 1150 for interconnecting the various devices described above.

In this embodiment, the display panel is an LED display panel 105 mounted in the vicinity of the greenhouse 10 such that it is visible to users of the greenhouse 10. The display panel 105 is used for displaying a plurality of information on the display panel 105 which may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following information: the concentration of carbon dioxide within the enclosure 30, pump data (such as, for example, pressure, flow speed), temperature data, humidity data, plant type(s). The display panel 105 may also display information, such as, for example, the current time and date.

The greenhouse 10 may further comprise one or more audio indicators 108 to provide an audible warning signal to users within the vicinity of the greenhouse 10. It will be appreciated that the audio indicators 108 can broadcast the audible warning signals alone or in conjunction with the one or more visual indicators (not shown) to warn those users who may be, for example, visually or hearing impaired.

In use, the concentration of carbon dioxide within each section A to G of the enclosure 30 can be controlled using the controller 1000 as desired. This may be relevant in cases where certain plant species require a higher or lower concentration of carbon dioxide compared to others, or in cases where a user needs to gain access to a particular section, such that the level of carbon dioxide within that section can be lowered to an acceptable and safe level.

In situations, where the concentration of carbon dioxide within one section A to G deviates from a predetermined level, the corresponding gas sensor 100 sends a warning signal to the controller 1000. In response, the controller 1000 then sends a valve operation signal to the valve 90 to instruct the valve 90 to transition to either the open or closed position depending on whether the level of carbon dioxide within the particular section is lower or higher than the predetermined level, respectively.

In situations where it is necessary to stop the flow of carbon dioxide completely, to, for example, service the emission source 20, manifold 40 or greenhouse 10, the controller 1000 sends a pump operation signal to the pump 70 to transition the pump 70 to the OFF position to stem the flow of carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30.

The greenhouse 10 described above provides a number of advantages, including:

Enhancement of plant growth through the use of carbon dioxide thereby realizing greater productivity.

Utilization of carbon dioxide that would otherwise by vented to the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas.

Production of oxygen that can be vented to the atmosphere or bottled for use in, for example, hospitals or industry.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of enhancing plant growth within the greenhouse 10 using carbon dioxide received from the emission source 20. The method comprises the steps of: communicating the carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the greenhouse 10; providing the controller 1000, pump 70, and at least one gas sensor 100 for sensing the concentration of the carbon dioxide within the greenhouse 10, and providing at least one valve 90 to selectively control the concentration of the carbon dioxide in the greenhouse 10; maintaining the level of carbon dioxide within the greenhouse 10 at a predetermined range of concentration; and distributing the carbon dioxide in at least one direction within the greenhouse 10.

Fig. 3 shows a top down schematic representation of three greenhouses 10a, 10b, 10c having the same structure as greenhouse 10, but with each greenhouse 10a, 10b, 10c being configured for receiving carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 via a dedicated manifold 40a, 40b, 40c. In this arrangement, which each manifold 40a, 40b, 40c is fitted with a corresponding inlet connection 42a, 42b, 42c located at a first end of the corresponding inlet pipe of the manifold 40 that is connected to, and extends from, the emission source 20, and a corresponding outlet connection 45a, 45b, 45c located at the opposite end of the corresponding inlet pipe that is attached to, and extends through, the corresponding wall 32a, 32b, 32c of the corresponding enclosure 30a, 30b, 30c. In this embodiment, a pump 70a, 70b, 70c, a scrubber 80a, 80b, 80c and valve 90a, 90b, 90c are located in train along the length of the inlet pipe of the corresponding manifold 40a, 40b, 40c. In other embodiments, the greenhouses 10a, 10b, 10c in Fig. 3 may be connected to a single manifold (not shown). It will be appreciated that each greenhouse 10a, 10b, 10c comprises gas sensors 100 to sense the concentration of carbon dioxide in the corresponding sections A to G within each enclosure 30a, 30b, 30c.

As shown in Fig. 3, each greenhouse 10a, 10b, 10c comprises a dedicated controller 1000a, 1000b, 1000c to control the concentration of carbon dioxide within the corresponding sections A to G within each enclosure 30a, 30b, 30c. It will be appreciated that all three controllers 1000a, 1000b, 1000c may be connected and operated remotely via a control centre (not shown) over a network.

In all of the preferred embodiments described, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the greenhouses 10, 10a, 10b, 10c will be of a size suitable to manage the large volume of carbon dioxide produced by the emission source 20. This will be of particular relevance in the case where the emission source 20 is one or more power stations operably connected to the greenhouse 10.

In other embodiments, the greenhouses 10, 10a, 10b, 10c described above are not limited to having enclosures 30, 30a, 30b, 30c that are sub-divided into sections A to G, but may be subdivided into more or less sections as required. Alternatively, the enclosures 30, 30a, 30b, 30c may be open plan with no sub-division.

In other embodiments, the greenhouses 10, 10a, 10b, 10c described above are not limited to having enclosures 30, 30a, 30b, 30c that define a single floor, but may comprise several floors (not shown). In this arrangement, it will be appreciated that each floor will ideally comprise its own distribution means connected to the corresponding manifold 40 for communicating the carbon dioxide received from the emission source 20 around the corresponding floor. In this arrangement, the distribution pipe (not shown) on each floor will be suspended from the corresponding ceiling.

In other embodiments, the sensor means are not limited to being gas sensors 100 as described above, but may be sensors (not shown) used to monitor, for example, temperature, light or humidity within the enclosure 30 of the greenhouse 10.

In other embodiments in which the greenhouse 10 comprises a watering source and/or heat source, it will be appreciated that these sources may be operably connected to the controller 1000 such that they may be turned on and off as required. For example, in the case of the heat source, it will be appreciated that the enclosure comprises one or more temperature sensors (not shown) located around the enclosure 30, in which each temperature sensor is in operative communication with the controller 1000 via a wired or wireless connection, and is operable to monitor the temperature within the enclosure 30, and send a warning signal to the controller 1000 in response to detecting a deviation in the temperature within the enclosure 30. The controller 1000 can then send an operation signal to the heat source to turn the heat source ON or OFF to raise or lower the temperature, respectively.

In other embodiments, the pump means is not limited to a single pump 70, but may comprise several pumps (not shown) connected to the inlet pipe of the manifold 40 to pump the carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30 of the greenhouse 10.

In other embodiments, the emission source 20 is not limited to being a power station as described above, but may be, for example, a furnace or heater used in a commercial or residential building for burning such fuels as, for example, coal, coke, paper, wood, and the like, to generally heat the building, or an oven for cooking purposes. In both cases, the carbon dioxide produced as a byproduct can be piped to the greenhouse 10 located in the vicinity of the building so as to be used for enhancing the growth of plants being cultivated therein. Oxygen produced by the plants in the greenhouse 10 as a result of photosynthesis may be exhausted directly from the greenhouse 10 to the atmosphere to enhance air quality in the local area, or captured and utilized for industrial purposes such as in hospitals or industry.

In one such embodiment, the building is a residential apartment block (not shown) in which the greenhouse 10 is located on the roof of the building so as to make use of the direct exposure to the sunlight for the purposes of encouraging photosynthesis. Such a building may comprise a plurality of furnaces or heaters, and ovens to provide warmth and cooking facilities, respectively, for each apartment. It will be appreciated that each furnace, heater and oven in the building is operably connected via a dedicated manifold (not shown) to a central manifold (not shown) such as a chimney that extends upwardly to the greenhouse 10 on the roof of the building. An outlet connection of the central manifold is attached to, and extends through the wall of the enclosure 30 of the greenhouse 10 so as to enable the carbon dioxide byproduct of the burned fuel from such furnaces or heaters and ovens to flow into the enclosure 30. The building will ideally be equipped with at least one pump (not shown) and one or more one-way valves (not shown), which are operably coupled to a controller (not shown) to aid in pumping the carbon dioxide into the enclosure 30 rather than back into the apartments.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the valve means is not limited to a single valve 90, but may comprise several valves (not shown) connected to the inlet pipe of the manifold 40 and each valve being configured to be controlled by the controller 1000 to allow the flow of carbon dioxide from the emission source 20 to the enclosure 30 of the greenhouse 10 to be controlled. It will be appreciated that the valves are not limited to being located between the scrubber 80 and the inlet connection 2 of the manifold 40, but may be located anywhere along the length of the inlet pipe to provide

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the filter means is not limited to a single scrubber, but may comprise several scrubbers connected to the inlet pipe of the manifold 40 to remove specific contaminants from the carbon dioxide produced by the emission source 20 before it reaches the enclosure 30 of the greenhouse 10.

In other embodiments, the manifold 40 is not limited to comprising one outlet connection 45, but may comprise more than one outlet connection (not shown). In this arrangement, the distribution means may comprise more than one distribution pipe (not shown) to communicate the carbon dioxide within the enclosure 30.

In other embodiments, the distribution outlets 60 may be configured for directing the carbon dioxide in more than one direction within the enclosure 30. In this arrangement, the distribution outlets (not shown) may be, for example, pivotable about their connection to the distribution pipe 50. Interpretation

Wireless:

The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor:

In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors. The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium: Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors: In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Additional Embodiments:

Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer- readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer- readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. Carrier Medium:

The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non- volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation:

It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

Connected

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the power generation, agricultural and forestry industries.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A greenhouse for receiving carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to enhance plant growth within the greenhouse in use, the greenhouse comprising:

— one or more walls defining an enclosure; and

- at least one outlet connection which extends into the enclosure for communicating the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

2. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a manifold to which the at least one outlet connection is connected.

3. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a distribution means adapted for connecting to the at least one outlet connection for distributing the carbon dioxide throughout the enclosure in use.

4. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 3, wherein the distribution means comprises at least one distribution pipe and one or more distribution outlets disposed along the at least one distribution pipe.

5. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 4, wherein each distribution outlet is configured for directing the carbon dioxide in at least one direction within the enclosure.

6. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 2, wherein the manifold comprises an inlet connection for receiving carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source.

7. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 6, further comprising an inlet pipe for extending from the inlet connection to the at least one outlet connection.

8. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one pump means for pumping the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

9. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one filter means to remove contaminants from the carbon dioxide entering the enclosure.

10. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one valve means being configurable between a closed position to prevent the carbon dioxide from being communicated from the at least one emission source to the enclosure and an open position to enable carbon dioxide to be communicated from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

11. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a control means which is adapted to selectively actuate the at least one valve means.

12. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a control means which is adapted to selectively actuate the at least one pump means to pump the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the enclosure.

13. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 12, further comprising at least one sensor means being coupled to the control means and operable to send the control means a signal to actuate or deactuate the at least one pump means in response to a sensed concentration level of carbon dioxide within the enclosure.

14. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 11, further comprising at least one sensor means being coupled to the control means and operable to send the control means a signal to open or close the at least one valve means in response to a sensed concentration level of carbon dioxide within the enclosure.

15. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one emission source is a power utility configured for producing electricity.

16. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one emission source is selected from the group comprising: a furnace, a heater, an oven, or a combination thereof.

17. A manifold for facilitating communication of carbon dioxide from at least one emission source to a greenhouse for enhancing plant growth within the greenhouse in use, the manifold comprising:

- an inlet connection extending from the at least one emission source; and

- at least one outlet connection extending into the greenhouse.

18. A manifold as claimed in claim 17, wherein the greenhouse comprises one or more walls defining an enclosure, at least a portion of the manifold being located at one of the one or more walls.

19. A method of enhancing plant growth within a greenhouse using carbon dioxide received from at least one emission source, the method comprising the step of:

- communicating the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source to the greenhouse.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising the step of:

- maintaining the level of carbon dioxide within the greenhouse at a predetermined range of concentration.

21. A system for enhancing plant growth using carbon dioxide, the system comprising:

- at least one emission source which produces carbon dioxide in use;

- at least one greenhouse having one or more walls defining an enclosure; and

- at least one connection for facilitating communication of the carbon dioxide from the at least one emission source into the enclosure of the at least one greenhouse.